Energy companies pressed to do more to tackle to fuel poverty

AMs have called on energy firms to tackle fuel poverty in LondonThe London Assembly has called on energy companies to take “immediate action” to help Londoners suffering from fuel poverty.

Earlier this week Assembly Members unanimously agreed a motion calling on the UK’s six main energy suppliers to ensure Londoners get a better deal from national energy savings initiatives.

The motion reads: “Energy bills are rising relentlessly and many Londoners are facing falls in their real income.

“As the coalition government demands the energy companies do better for the UK, this Assembly demands a better deal for London in particular.

“A recent investigation by the Assembly’s Health and Public Services Committee heard that London has repeatedly lost out under national energy saving initiatives and that as housing costs take a heavier toll on Londoners than those in the rest of the UK, this has pushed a disproportionate number of Londoners into fuel poverty.

“We therefore call upon the Mayor to join with the Assembly in calling upon the six main UK energy suppliers to address this imbalance by fulfilling their CERT and CESP obligations equally across the UK and implement measures that ensure Londoners are no longer disproportionately in fuel poverty.”

Murad Qureshi AM, who proposed the motion, said: “Energy companies have been underperforming on their obligations which could help Londoners living in fuel poverty and we need to get tough with them.

“The Mayor should use his influence to get them to improve their performance and ensure Londoners are not freezing to death this winter.”

The motion was seconded by Victoria Borwick AM who said: “Every year around 2700 people in the UK die because they are unable to heat cold homes and London is particularly affected by fuel poverty because of the high cost of living and the energy companies pushing up prices.

“The Mayor is looking to bring his influence to bear on this issue but energy companies should also step up to the plate to ensure London receives a better deal than it is currently getting”